Rank | Book Title (Year) | Author | My Rating
1 | The Women on Platform Two (2025) | Laura Anthony | 5.0/5.0

I absolutely loved this book!
While Maura and Bernie are fictional, the 22 May 1971 “Contraceptive Train” is completely real, and I’m so grateful to have learned about it. The bravery and dedication of the Irish Women’s Liberation Movement (IWLM) is truly inspiring.
Maura and Bernie were easy to love throughout the story, and the inclusion of thoughtful, supportive male characters made the narrative feel even more real and grounded.
This book left me reflecting on the movements and changes happening today, and how I can find the courage, like Bernie, to participate in shaping the future. An incredible, thought-provoking read.
2 | Sunrise on the Reaping (The Hunger Games #0.5) (2025) | Suzanne Collins | 5.0/5.0

The way this story weaves Lucy Gray and Katniss’ stories together is far better than I ever could have imagined.
Starting this book, I felt like I already knew Haymitch, but it quickly became clear just how much more complex his story really is. The depth and nuance added so much to a character I thought I understood. Honestly… shit, I’d drink too!
A fantastic addition to the Hunger Games universe that enriches the original series in unexpected ways.
3 | Just for the Summer (2024) | Abby Jimenez | 5.0/5.0

I really loved how seen this book made me feel. In so many ways, I connected deeply with Emma’s story.
While years of therapy have been vital in my own journey, my Maddy (my husband) has been my saving grace through the struggles, just like the support Emma experiences in the story.
A heartfelt, moving read that beautifully captures love, growth, and resilience.
4 | Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (#3) (1999) | EWW | 5.0/5.0

This has always been my favorite movie in the series, so it’s no surprise that I absolutely loved the book too!
I especially appreciate how this installment delves into morally gray characters, showing that people, and their choices, aren’t always purely good or evil. It adds depth and complexity to the story while keeping the magic and adventure that make Harry Potter so unforgettable.
5 | Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (#4) (2000) | EWW | 5.0/5.0

Yeah… these books are really freakin’ good. This fourth installment is a perfect mix of magic, mystery, and high-stakes adventure. The Triwizard Tournament keeps you on the edge of your seat, while the story dives deeper into the characters we’ve grown to love. There’s tension, humor, friendship, and just enough darkness creeping in to make it compelling. Every time I read this, I’m reminded why the Harry Potter series is such a timeless favorite.
6 | The Only Band in the World (2024) | Ryan Bird | 5.0/5.0

This was such an incredible read, and it genuinely deepened my appreciation for the boys. It made me even more grateful to exist in a timeline where they’re creating music I get to experience.
Ryan’s vulnerability shines throughout the book, adding so much heart and honesty to the story.
I truly can’t recommend this enough, even if you’re only the most casual Twenty One Pilots listener.
7 | Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (#1) (1997) | EWW | 5.0/5.0

My only complaint? I wish I could’ve read this before seeing the movies, but I was negative two years old when it came out! Now, every time Draco says “Potter,” I can only hear Tom Felton, and Alan Rickman’s voice plays in my head whenever Snape speaks.
Despite that, this book is an absolute joy. It’s fun, magical, and completely captivating. I’m so excited to continue working my way through the series!
8 | Atmosphere (2025) | Taylor Jenkins Reid | 4.5/5.0

When I first started this book, I had my doubts. I realized I wasn’t especially interested in reading a story about astronauts.
But by about the 40% mark, I was completely hooked. I fell deeply in love with Joan’s character, and TJR’s writing is nothing short of phenomenal. The care, research, and love poured into this story are evident on every page. A captivating, beautifully crafted read that I won’t forget anytime soon.
9 | Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (#2) (1998) | EWW | 4.5/5.0

I’m having an absolute blast reading these! It’s been so fun to dive into the world of Hogwarts again, and I especially love finally experiencing the book version of Ginny, who so many fans have talked about for years.
The story keeps the magic, humor, and suspense going strong, and I can’t wait to see where the series takes me next.
10 | Dune (1965) | Frank Herbert | 4.0/5.0

I never would have finished this book if I hadn’t seen both movies first. Herbert’s multipage descriptions can be overwhelming, and I often found myself a bit confused navigating the dense world-building.
That said, once you push through the complex and lengthy verbiage, the story is absolutely incredible. Epic, immersive, and brilliantly crafted, truly a sci-fi masterpiece.
11 | The Yellow Wall-Paper (1892) | Charlotte Perkins Gilman | 4.0/5.0

This was my third time reading this story (the first two were for English classes) and it has stayed with me ever since. The narrative itself, along with the history surrounding it, remains haunting and unforgettable.
My heart aches for every woman who has been, is, or will be dismissed as she struggles with her mental health. Gilman’s work is a powerful reminder of how devastating it is when women’s voices aren’t heard.
12 | Small Things Like These (2021) | Claire Keegan | 4.0/5.0

I don’t think I’ve read anything quite like this. It’s a brief read, but incredibly powerful: quiet, tender, and emotionally resonant in a way that lingers long after you finish. A small book that carries a surprising amount of weight.
13 | Onyx Storm (2025) | Rebecca Yarros | 4.0/5.0

One thing about this series that gives me such mixed feelings is how long it takes to build the world and set up the characters… and then, just past the halfway mark, Rebecca delivers the PLOT. And it’s enthralling Every. Single. Time.
I’m new to reading fantasy, so keeping track of 20+ characters (and multiple dragons and gryphons) was sometimes tricky. I even had to Google a few names to remind myself who’s who.
Ultimately, I had a lot of fun, and I’m excited to patiently wait for the next two books!
14 | Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men (2019) | Caroline Criado Pérez | 4.0/5.0

I really appreciated this book, even though it’s not exactly “enjoyable”—it’s mostly frustrating, but in a necessary way. I’m seriously considering buying a physical copy to reference when explaining the feelings and struggles that I, and so many other women, face every day.
I do wish there had been more room to fully dive into the statistics and explore additional biases uncovered in the studies, without making it too dense to digest.
At times, I worried that Caroline might have amplified some findings, but overall she does an incredible job proving that women are consistently overlooked in research, design, and policy. An eye-opening and essential read.
15 | Part of Your World (2022) | Abby Jimenez | 4.0/5.0

A heartfelt and engaging read, Part of Your World explores love, loss, and the challenges of navigating relationships with warmth and honesty. Abby Jimenez’s storytelling makes the characters feel real and relatable, and the emotional moments land beautifully.
While it didn’t completely sweep me off my feet, it was a deeply satisfying and enjoyable read that I would happily recommend to fans of contemporary romance with heart.
16 | First Lie Wins (2024) | Ashley Elston | 4.0/5.0

I absolutely love it when twists actually surprise me, and this book delivered! Some parts felt a bit repetitive, but I had fun the entire time and was constantly desperate to find out what would happen next.
A fast-paced, suspenseful read that kept me turning the pages and guessing right up to the very end.
17 | The Wedding People (2024) | Alison Espach | 4.0/5.0

I’m genuinely torn on how I feel about this book. It didn’t grab me until about a quarter of the way through, and even then, I found myself both completely captivated and oddly irritated at the same time.
What ultimately stood out most was how deeply it made me reflect on my own life: the choices I make, the versions of myself I present, and the ways I bend or don’t bend to meet others’ expectations.
It’s an unexpectedly thought-provoking read, even if it wasn’t an emotional home run for me.
18 | We Should All Be Feminists (2012) | Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie | 4.0/5.0

From a standpoint of defining feminism and highlighting why it matters, this essay is compelling, accessible, and beautifully written. Adichie’s clarity and storytelling make foundational concepts feel both urgent and approachable.
My only critique is the binary language throughout and the lack of acknowledgment of gender as a spectrum. While the message is powerful, it would feel more complete with a more inclusive framework.
19 | The Summer I Turned Pretty (Summer #1) (2009) | Jenny Han | 4.0/5.0

This book is delightfully dumb, goofy, and at times doesn’t make a ton of sense, but that’s part of its charm! Books like these are important in literature too, bringing fun, lighthearted storytelling that entertains without taking itself too seriously. I had a blast reading it.
20 | The Handmaid’s Tale (1985) | Margaret Atwood | 3.5/5.0

I have such mixed feelings about this book. Mostly, I struggled with Atwood’s writing style and really could not stand the lack of quotation marks—it made the reading experience more challenging than I expected.
That said, the world-building of Gilead is absolutely phenomenal. My perspective is definitely influenced by watching the TV show first, but it was fascinating to see the story as it was originally told. I also found it interesting that the book never mentions the name “June.”
I wasn’t prepared for how sparse the narrative felt compared to the show. Ultimately, the foundation of this book is powerful and important, but it feels underdeveloped in some ways, as if it was published before it was fully realized.
21 | How to End a Love Story (2024) | Yulin Kuang | 3.5/5.0

A thoughtful and emotionally nuanced read, this book explores the complexities of relationships, heartbreak, and self-discovery with honesty and sensitivity.
While some parts felt a little slow or predictable, the characters were relatable and the emotional moments landed effectively. Overall, it’s a solid read for anyone who enjoys contemporary romance with depth and introspection.
22 | We’ll Always Have Summer (Summer #3) (2012) | Jenny Han | 3.0/5.0

Wow. This book was such a mess, but somehow totally addictive! Even as a die-hard Team Conrad fan, I can’t believe I just read the whole thing.
What struck me most is how much more depth the show adaptation gives each character. In the book, everyone feels surprisingly shallow, which made it hard to fully connect with their choices or emotions. Still, despite its flaws, I couldn’t put it down.
23 | A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR #1) (2015) | Sarah J. Maas | 3.0/5.0

I wish this book had been consistently as engaging as the final fourth. I really struggled with Feyre’s character for most of the story, but from the moment she arrives at the mountain until the very end, I was completely enthralled.
The last portion of the book made all the difference, showcasing why Maas has such a dedicated fanbase, even if the earlier sections didn’t fully capture me.
24 | It’s Not Summer Without You (Summer #2) (2011) | Jenny Han | 3.0/5.0

I don’t know why I’m so addicted to this story while simultaneously hating it, and hating the characters.
The best character is gone, her sons are insufferable, and Belly… well, she’s just plain frustrating at times. Despite all this, I kept turning the pages, drawn in by the drama and the tangled emotions. It’s a love-hate kind of read, for sure.
25 | James (2024) | Percival Everett | 3.0/5.0

While plenty of moments in this book felt exaggerated or outright ridiculous, I still found myself enjoying the experience overall. Despite its far-fetched elements, it’s an entertaining and worthwhile read.
26 | Remarkably Bright Creatures (2022) | Shelby Van Pelt | 2.5/5.0

This book was far too slow for me. Most of the story could easily be summarized in a 30-minute conversation, as the majority of the book felt like a lot of nothing.
I didn’t connect much with Tova or Cameron, but Marcellus’ sections were genuinely enjoyable.
While the themes of grief, loss, loneliness, and human connection are important, I struggled to connect with them in this story. Even though I’ve experienced these emotions myself, the book felt strangely distant and didn’t resonate as deeply as I had hoped.
27 | The Silent Patient (2024) | Alex Michaelides | 2.5/5.0

Did I read the same book everyone else did? I’ll admit, the suspense kept me hooked, and I flew through it, but I guessed the big twist around the 70% mark, and I was not impressed when I reached it.
The sheer amount of malpractice in this book made me uncomfortable and angry. I really disliked the narrator and grew tired of his long-winded monologues.
I didn’t outright hate it, but all the 4-5 star reviews had me expecting something much stronger. A mixed experience overall.
28 | Lesson in Chemistry (2022) | Bonnie Garmus | 2.5/5.0

Overall, I enjoyed this book, but there were a few major issues I couldn’t overlook.
My biggest problem was how abruptly the r*pe scene appeared and how graphic it was. While the reality of sexual violence is tragic and important to acknowledge, I didn’t need such explicit detail to understand Elizabeth’s pain and rage, the scene felt jarring and unnecessarily intense.
I also struggled with Elizabeth’s portrayal as a “quirky” character. Why is it so hard to have a powerful, intelligent, independent female protagonist who isn’t socially awkward? And her four-year-old daughter? She’s basically Matilda with a deep understanding of pi. It felt unrealistic.
Another point that bothered me was the depiction of the male characters. Yes, it’s set in the 1950s, but not every man was cartoonishly misogynistic. I would have appreciated more nuanced, insidious sexism—the kind so ingrained even men don’t recognize it—because that feels more realistic and infuriating.
On the bright side, I absolutely adored Six-Thirty, the dog. His perspective was surprisingly touching, and I looked forward to his chapters. Dr. Mason and Harriet Sloane also stood out as fully fleshed-out, believable characters I genuinely liked.
And honestly? I’d totally watch Elizabeth’s cooking show. I love the idea of her using it as a platform to empower women rather than talk down to them—obsessed with that concept!
A book with bright moments and interesting ideas, but some storytelling choices made it hard to fully enjoy.
29 | Great Big Beautiful Life (2025) | Emily Henry | 2.0/5.0

For the most part, I really didn’t enjoy this book. The last 10% contained most of what I liked, and even that felt like a stretch.
I wasn’t convinced by the romance, and I found Margaret incredibly frustrating at times. Despite my curiosity and wanting to understand the Emily Henry hype, her writing style just didn’t resonate with me.
Ultimately, this one wasn’t for me, though I can see why others might enjoy it.
30 | The Song of Achilles (2011) | Madeline Miller | 2.0/5.0

This book has been on my “Want to Read” list for a long time, but for the most part, I found myself disappointed.
I’ll admit that Greek mythology has never been my thing, so I knew that might be a challenge for me. However, I didn’t expect to be so consistently annoyed with Patroclus, the main character and narrator. He barely has any personality outside of being in love with Achilles, which made it hard to stay engaged.
I found most of the book slow and even boring at times. The only reasons I settled on two stars are that I think the story could have worked beautifully as a short story, and I did genuinely enjoy the ending.
31 | The Partner Plot (2024) | Kristina Forest | 2.0/5.0

I really wanted to enjoy this book more than I did. Unfortunately, so many of the characters’ thoughts are repeated over and over, which became incredibly annoying.
I found myself completely uninvested in the romance, and there was basically no point where I felt myself rooting for the couple. Overall, a frustrating read that didn’t live up to its potential.
32 | Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (1995) | Gregory Maguire | 2.0/5.0

I couldn’t help but constantly compare this book to the musical: the very reason I picked it up in the first place.
Honestly, I’m so thankful for the musical’s writers, who turned this confusing, rambling story into something beautiful. In the book, there are so many lines and characters that feel unnecessary or even inappropriate.
I considered giving up multiple times, but my curiosity about the differences between the book and the musical kept me going. A tough read that made me appreciate the stage adaptation even more.
33 | She Who Became the Sun (2021) | Shelley Parker-Chan | 1.5/5.0

The first quarter of this book had me absolutely hooked, but once the story shifted to military and political intrigue with a huge cast of characters, I quickly lost interest.
I love that books with genderqueer protagonists exist and are gaining visibility, but this one simply wasn’t for me. I found the characters confusing and unrelatable, and I really struggled to finish it.
34 | The Crash (2025) | Freida McFadden | 1.5/5.0

Freida is such a funny writer, and I find myself drawn to her stories even though they can be incredibly cringe and silly.
That said, every single character in this book is a moron, and I genuinely didn’t care what happened to any of them 😬.
Entertaining in a chaotic way, but not a story I could take seriously.
35 | Yellowface (2023) | R.F. Kuang | 1.0/5.0

I really didn’t get this one. It feels almost ironic to post a negative review, but here we are.
All I encountered was a whiny, racist, entitled character with almost no ability to maintain relationships or empathize with others. I understand that white privilege and cluelessness exist, but Juney was mostly just an idiot.
I finished the book hoping the ending would make the hype make sense. Nope. I didn’t enjoy it at all and can’t recommend it.
36 | The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store (2023) | James McBride | 1.0/5.0

My main issue with this book was that there were simply too many characters to keep track of. Each character’s backstory was explored in great detail, which, while impressive, ended up overshadowing the main plot.
The story felt cluttered, and I struggled to stay engaged because it was hard to follow who was central to the narrative. Unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me.